PALESTINE, Texas (June 29, 2018) – The City of Palestine has announced the Fourth of July holiday schedule for city facilities.

The following city offices and facilities will close on Wednesday, July 4and will resume normal business hours on Thursday, July 5:
• City Hall, which includes Customer Service, Municipal Court, Finance, Development Services, Public Works, Utilities, City Manager’s Office, Police Administration, Fire Administration, City Secretary, Human Resources, Streets, Emergency Management Office and Warehouse Services.
• Palestine Economic Development and Main Street Offices
• Palestine Community Services Offices
• Performing Arts Center of Palestine
• Palestine Visitor Center
• Palestine Mall Concourse and Mall shops
• Palestine Public Library will close. All library materials (books, CDs, and DVDs) can be returned 24/7 in the book drop located on the curb outside of the Mall’s main entrance.

The following is scheduled from Public Works:
• City garbage/recycling services will run as scheduled
• The compost site on Spring Street will be closed on Wednesday, July 4.
• To report after-hours and holiday water/sewer/road issues that require immediate attention, please contact City Hall at 903-729-2254, and press “0” for immediate assistance.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 28, 2018) – The Boil Water Notice for Fay Way Drive, including Whispering Pines Apartments and Timbercrest Apartments, and on Southview Drive between Crockett and Old Elkhart roads has been rescinded. The following is the legal language.
Boil Water Rescind Notice

On June 27, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required our public water system,City of Palestine Utilities Department, PWS ID 0010001 to issue a Boil Water Notice (BWN) to inform our customers that due to the presence of contaminants or an interruption in service, water from our system must be boiled prior to consumption.

Our system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore adequate pressure, disinfectant levels, and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling as of June 28,2018.

If you have questions, contact Felipe Garcia at 903-731-8483.

If a customer wishes to reach TCEQ, they may call 512-239-4691.

From Earlier:
PALESTINE, Texas (June 27, 2018) – The City of Palestine is issuing a boil water notice for residents on Fay Way Drive, including Whispering Pines Apartments and Timbercrest Apartments, and on Southview Drive between Crockett and Old Elkhart roads. The following is the legal notice.
Public Notice to Boil Water

Due to a water main repair for residents in the area of Fay Way Drive, including Whispering Pines Apartments and Timbercrest Apartments, and on Southview Drive between Crockett and Old Elkhart roads, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system City of Palestine, PWS 0010001 to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Felipe Garcia at (903) 731-8483.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 28, 2018) – The Boil Water Notice for West Kolstad Street between Cottage and North Fort Streets has been rescinded. The following is the legal language.
Boil Water Rescind Notice

On June 26, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required our public water system,City of Palestine Utilities Department, PWS ID 0010001 to issue a Boil Water Notice (BWN) to inform our customers that due to the presence of contaminants or an interruption in service, water from our system must be boiled prior to consumption.

Our system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore adequate pressure, disinfectant levels, and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling as of June 28,2018.

If you have questions, contact Felipe Garcia at 903-731-8483.

If a customer wishes to reach TCEQ, they may call 512-239-4691.

From Earlier:
PALESTINE, Texas (June 26, 2018) – The City of Palestine is issuing a boil water notice for residents on West Kolstad Street between Cottage and North Fort Streets. The following is the legal notice.

Public Notice to Boil Water

Due to a Water Main Replacement for residents in the area of West Kolstad Street between Cottage and North Fort Streets, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system City of Palestine, PWS 0010001 to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Felipe Garcia at (903) 731-8483.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 25, 2018) – The Friends of the Palestine Public Library’s next book sale is Friday, July 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the Palestine Mall, 2000 S. Loop 256.

Thousands of books from $1.75 for hardbacks to ten cents for small romance novels will be available. Coffee table books and various sets are slightly higher. On Saturday from 2-3 p.m. will be “all the hardbacks you can get in a plastic sack for $5,” and “all the paperbacks you can get in a sack for $3.”

The majority of hardbacks, softbacks and paperbacks were donated by individuals plus others from the library’s holdings. Countless new, good books have been donated since the last sale.

Cash, credit cards and local checks accepted. This is the ideal opportunity to stock up on a great selection of books at very little cost. All proceeds benefit the Palestine Public Library. For more information, email bonniejw@hotmail.com or call 903-729-4121.

The test will start at 9 a.m. and applicants will need a photo ID to sit for the exam. Applicants who are late to the exam will not be admitted. If an applicant passes the written exam, he or she will take the physical agility test immediately following the exam at Fire Station No. 4 on Highway 287. Applicants must also sign and notarize a waiver for the physical agility exam.

Palestine Civil Service Local Rule 9.02 requires fire certification at the time of signing up to take the exam or evidence of current enrollment in an approved academy. It also requires EMT certification at the time of the exam or evidence of current enrollment in an EMT class approved by the Texas Department of Health. Applicants must have successfully completed an academy for structural firefighter as well as training for EMT, before being offered a position with the fire department.

If certified, attach to your application a copy of a Texas Commission on Fire Protection certificate, Texas Department of Health certificate, and if one has served in the military, include a copy of your DD214. Those 36 years of age or older are not eligible to apply.

Please contact the City of Palestine or the Palestine Fire Department to receive an application packet and return to the following address by Monday, July 2, no later than 5 p.m. Sending in the application form and waivers, confirms an applicant is scheduled to take the exam and no further notices will be sent.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 25, 2018) – The Boil Water Notice for West Kolstad Street from Fort Street to Cottage Avenue has been rescinded. The following is the legal language.

Boil Water Rescind Notice

On June 20, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required our public water system,City of Palestine Utilities Department, PWS ID 0010001 to issue a Boil Water Notice (BWN) to inform our customers that due to the presence of contaminants or an interruption in service, water from our system must be boiled prior to consumption.

Our system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore adequate pressure, disinfectant levels, and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling as of June 25, 2018.

If you have questions, contact Felipe Garcia at 903-731-8483.

If a customer wishes to reach TCEQ, they may call 512-239-4691.

From Earlier:
PALESTINE, Texas (June 20, 2018) – The City of Palestine is issuing a boil water notice for residents on West Kolstad Street from Fort Street to Cottage Avenue. The following is the legal notice.

Public Notice to Boil Water

Due to a Fire Hydrant Replacement for residents in the area of West Kolstad Street from Fort Street to Cottage Avenue, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system City of Palestine, PWS 0010001 to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Felipe Garcia at (903) 731-8483.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 15, 2018) – The City of Palestine will spray for mosquitoes on Saturday, June 16.

Between the hours of 9 p.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m. Sunday, sprayers will be dispatched to Area 6. Area 6 is the southeast portion of the city and encompasses the streets of Park Avenue south to the city limits and from Royall Street east to the city limits.

A full map of the spraying areas can be found on the City of Palestine’s website at cityofpalestinetx.com.

The City of Palestine contracts its mosquito spraying to Vector Disease Control International. Residents can make mosquito complaints to the City of Palestine Community Services Department, Environmental Services Division, at 903-731-8435.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 14, 2018) – The City of Palestine is seeking a new Judge to take the seat in the Palestine Municipal Court.

The Palestine Municipal Court hears cases on Class C misdemeanors, holds court sessions to hear persons accused of violating city ordinances, and other misdemeanor violations within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Court. The judge will also preside over jury trials for those violations.

In working with the Municipal Court Administrator and the City Prosecutor, the judge will perform magistrate duties including issuing warrants and summons.

Last month, the Palestine City Council approved a bump in pay for the judge from $31,000 a year to $40,000 a year. The judge is also supported by an Associate Judge, James Todd.

The judge must be in good standing with the Texas Bar Association (if applicable) and be a resident of Anderson County. The job description is online at cityofpalestinetx.com. For more information, contact Human Resources Director Susie Streb at 903-731-8421.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 13, 2018) – Michael Phillips, a veteran of the Palestine Fire Department and current Risk Manager and Safety Coordinator for the city, was recently appointed to become the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Palestine.

“I look forward to helping the city be prepared for emergencies and help other cities and counties should the need arise,” Phillips said.

Phillips served the city for 23 years in the Palestine Fire Department as a firefighter and as a Battalion Chief. During that time, he served as a training officer, developing standard operating procedures for the department. He also served on the fire prevention team, interview board for new employees , the dive team, and as a care specialist for air packs. He is also versed in Emergency Management procedures.

Since January 2017, Phillips has been the Risk Manager and Safety Coordinator for the city. In that capacity, he plans, organizes, coordinates and supervises the comprehensive risk management and safety program. In addition, Phillips ensures all city workers are compliant with state and federal safety regulations.

A certified instructor through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Phillips attended Trinity Valley Community College and College of the Mainland
Phillips will serve both roles for the city, eliminating a full-time employee role.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 7, 2018) – When the sun goes down on July 4, the City of Palestine will light up with fireworks at Steven Bennett Park.

The annual fireworks show promises to live up to annual extravaganzas the city has performed to mark our nation’s birthday. Lone Star Fireworks will provide the show while Palestine radio station KYYK-FM 98.3 will provide musical accompaniment. Residents are asked to listen to the KYYK broadcast directly on their radios at 98.3 FM rather than the Your East Texas radio app.

The park opens at 5 p.m. and will fill up quickly. Concessions will be available from the Citizens on Patrol alumni and UNIDOS.

To help with traffic around the Steven Bennett Park area, Palestine police and fire personnel will be placed at several intersections. At the intersection of Moody Street and Loop 256, officers will block the road so residents will not be in the fireworks shooting area. The intersections of Palestine Avenue and Loop 256, and East Park Avenue and Loop 256 also will be manned.

Officers will also be stationed at the Palestine YMCA, First Baptist Church, Christ Community Church and Story Intermediate School. No foot traffic, nor any parking, will be allowed on Loop 256.

Barricades will be placed at the following intersections for traffic control:
• U.S. 79 near H&W Powersports (1534 E. Palestine Ave.)
• Wanda Street and Crest Drive
• Easy Street near Story Intermediate School
• East Newman Street and Loop 256
• Moody Street near Story Intermediate School
• Moody Street and Loop 256 (both sides of the highway)
• Loop 256 at the entrance to the Palestine YMCA
• Loop 256 at the entrance to Christ Community Church
• Loop 256 at the entrance to First Baptist Church
• Loop 256 and East Murchison Street
• Loop 256 and East Lacy Streets

After the fireworks show, residents are REQUIRED to make a right turn only onto Loop 256 to leave the show. No left turns will be allowed on Loop 256 after the show.

The fireworks show is a presentation by the City of Palestine, sponsored in part by Ben E. Keith Distributing.

PALESTINE, Texas (June 6, 2018) – The Boil Water Notice for Colley Drive has been rescinded. The following is the legal language.
Boil Water Rescind Notice

On June 5, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) required our public water system,City of Palestine Utilities Department, PWS ID 0010001 to issue a Boil Water Notice (BWN) to inform our customers that due to the presence of contaminants or an interruption in service, water from our system must be boiled prior to consumption.

Our system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore adequate pressure, disinfectant levels, and/or bacteriological quality and has provided TCEQ with testing results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling as of June 6, 2018.

If you have questions, contact Felipe Garcia at 903-731-8483.

If a customer wishes to reach TCEQ, they may call 512-239-4691.

From Earlier:

PALESTINE, Texas (June 5, 2018) – The City of Palestine is issuing a boil water notice for residents on Colley Drive. The following is the legal notice.

Public Notice to Boil Water

Due to a Fire Hydrant Replacement for residents in the area of Colley Drive, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system City of Palestine, PWS 0010001 to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Felipe Garcia at (903) 731-8483.